Tesco’s Clare Chapman confirmed as new NHS HR director

Clare Chapman has been appointed the new director general of workforce at the Department of Health (DoH), as predicted by Personnel Today earlier this month.

Chapman, 46, currently the group personnel director of Tesco, will take up the post from the beginning of 2007 and will be responsible for workforce issues in the NHS and social care system.

She has more than 20 years experience working in HR in the UK, US and Europe including vice president of HR at PespsiCo.

Health secretary Patricia Hewitt said: “Clare brings outstanding experience to the leadership team of the DoH. The quality of health and social care depends upon the commitment and dedication of more than 1.3 million NHS staff and more than 1.6 million people working in social care.

“I know that Clare is determined to ensure that they receive the support they need from the DoH.”

Chapman said: “I am delighted to be given such a fantastic opportunity. The values of the health and social care system make it unique and I am proud to be part of a service which has such an important purpose and is internationally regarded.

“I am sure that the achievements of recent years are thanks to the talents and hard work of staff who make the difference every day for patients and users of services. I share the commitment these staff have for the NHS and social care system and its values.

“I am looking forward to the challenge of developing people policies that build confidence, provide increased opportunity for staff to develop their skills and develops high quality patient care.”

Steve Barnett, director of NHS Employers, said: “[Chapman] is recognised as one of the leading HR professionals in the UK and brings invaluable experience and expertise to this role which is so crucial to the NHS.

“NHS Employers is a key partner in the delivery of the DoH’s workforce agenda and we are looking forward to working with Clare and her colleagues to help NHS organisations to implement a workforce strategy that improves services for patients and working lives for staff.”